A historic Portuguese city with medieval and baroque buildings, known for the Bom Jesus do Monte pilgrimage site. Explore local cafes and restaurants for authentic cuisine.
Braga, Portugal's third-largest city, has ancient Roman roots and plays a significant role in the country's religious history. Located in the Minho region, Braga is known for its Baroque architecture, including the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and numerous churches. The city is home to Portugal's oldest cathedral and has an active student population. In Braga, you can climb the iconic Baroque stairway, visit Roman ruins, and taste local specialties like bacalhau à Braga.
Exploring Bom Jesus do Monte
The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary is perched on a hill overlooking Braga. A Baroque stairway with 17 landings leads to the church, each representing a stage of Christ's passion. You can climb the 577 steps or take the water-powered funicular, the oldest in the world still in operation. At the top, you'll find a church, gardens, and views of Braga and the surrounding countryside.
Braga's Churches and Ceremonies
Braga Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, is Portugal's oldest. Inside, you'll see a mix of architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque. The cathedral houses the tombs of Henry of Burgundy and Teresa of León, parents of Portugal's first king. During Holy Week, Braga hosts numerous processions and ceremonies, drawing visitors from across the country.
Roman Roots of Bracara Augusta
Braga's history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Bracara Augusta. Visit the Fonte do Ídolo, a Roman fountain with inscriptions dating to the 1st century AD. The D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the Roman period, including mosaics, pottery, and jewelry found in local excavations.
Savoring Local Flavors
Try Braga's local dishes like bacalhau à Braga, a cod dish with fried potatoes and garlic. For dessert, sample the pudim Abade de Priscos, a rich egg custard flavored with Port wine and bacon. Pair your meal with vinho verde, the region's young, slightly effervescent wine.
Getting to Braga
Braga is well-connected to other Portuguese cities. Trains run regularly from Porto, taking about an hour. From Lisbon, the journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours. If you're driving, Braga is about 50 kilometers north of Porto on the A3 motorway.
Day Trips from Braga
Consider a day trip to nearby Guimarães, a city with significant historical importance to Portugal. Its medieval center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also explore Peneda-Gerês National Park, about an hour's drive from Braga, which has hiking trails, waterfalls, and traditional villages.
